Agartala (Tripura): In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Jharkhand created history as they became the only team in the rich 85-year-old history of Ranji Trophy to win a first-class match after being forced to follow on. After giving away 153-run lead in the first innings against Tripura in their Group C clash, with more than two days of play left in the game, the visiting team was asked to follow on by Tripura captain Milind Kumar. The decision backfired as Jharkhand registered a thrilling victory in the match.
Tripura batting first scored 289. In response, Jharkhand were bowled out for 136 which provoked Tripura to enforce a follow on.
Jharkhand at one point were reduced to 138 for 5. However, then Ishank Jaggi and Saurabh Tiwary stepped up and emulated Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman of 2001. They built a double-century stand to turn things around in Jharkhand's favour and finally declared the innings 418 for 8.
Bowlers got enough runs to defend. In their second innings, Tripura were reduced to 48 for 5 at lunch. However, lower order provided a solid resistance and they were close to the target but fell short of the target by 54 runs.
This was just the first instance in Ranji Trophy history when a side won the match after being asked to follow-on.
